SXSW Festival

A map of the 2006 SXSW Festival, where I will be speaking in March, including local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.
Most of the information on this map is from other blogs and sources. I tried to credit the original author each time.
Please add to it as I have never been to the festival and would love suggestions on good restaurants.
-Jared (CommunityWalk Founder)

: Cockpit

Bar
SXSW Conference

A new gay bar that has been getting steady and favorable buzz. Just blocks from the Convention Center, perhaps a nice alternative to 4th Streetbars. Rain, Fabric, and Oil Can Harry’s are all still in the Warehouse District between Lavaca and Colorado on 4th and 5th streets.
113 San Jacinto
Austin
Texas

: Z'Tejas

SXSW Conference

This is a really cool, yummy, moderately-priced place. They have a variety of margaritas and they're some of the best in Austin. Great chips and salsa. They also have good brunches on Saturday and Sunday. Cool atmosphere and lots of nice-lookin' Texans running around. (Although, this is SXSW, so normal crowd could be different.)

: Waterloo Records

SXSW Conference

A great record store. Lot's to choose from. They have vinyl, too. And listening stations. Fun!

: Trudy's

SXSW Conference

This place is close to the UT campus. It's in an old house and has an annex bar. The food isn't the best Austin has to offer, but the atmosphere is fun and they also have some of the best margaritas in Austin. Lot's of tequila to choose from. Good brunches, too.

SXSW Conference

So, actually, there's lots of these around Austin. I only these two.

: Thundercloud Sub's

SXSW Conference

Need something quick? Pick up a sub. Two locations.

: The Continental Club

SXSW Conference

Also an Austin Institution, and South Congress is a fun part of Austin, not too far from downtown, but not quite as crowded. This club was in the movie Slackers and I think Joe Strummer, of the Clash, may have played there when he ran away that time.

A cool bar that features some great punk rock. Although, this is SXSW and they could be playing anything.

: Magnolia Cafe

SXSW Conference

This place is open 24 hours, is pretty big, usually has cool art up, and features a very Austin waitstaff. Lots of veggie options, too. Go there.

: LBJ Library and Museum

SXSW Conference

Okay, so some people wouldn't call this entertainment, but I think it is. It's the only free presidential library. It's a nice escape from all the hustle and bustle of the festival. Plus, you just might learn something!

: La Quinta - Capitol

SXSW Conference

This is the hotel I will be staying at.
300 E. 11th St.
Austin
Texas

: Beerland, Texas

Bar
SXSW Conference

Small and charming, this is the bar that Guitar Wolf picked when they decided they wanted to play a dive bar in Texas. For good reason. The owners, Randall and Donya, are two of the best people you could ever hope to serve you beer.

They have some weekly happenings that are a lot of fun including Monday Twin Peaks/Carnivale happy hour followed by Rock and Roll Karaoke. Wednesday features a movie happy hour.

Every night of the week is packed with some of the best rock and roll bands Austin has to offer. You never know what you are going to get, but it is all most always great.

21 and up.
711 1/2 Red River
Austin
Texas

: Iron Works

BBQ
SXSW Conference

(512) 478-4855

Iron Works is a SXSW or any other convention Downtown tradition for me. They do tasty brisket and ribs, as well as decent sausage. It’s not the Salt Lick, but you will not leave Texas having missed a good Q either. They also do a BBQ turkey plate, but in my opinion, that’s not BBQ.
100 Red River
Austin
Texas

: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Airport
SXSW Conference

3600 Presidential Blvd.
Austin
Texas

: Roaring Forks

Bar
SXSW Conference

Lots of tasty new American cuisine to sample here. The last time I went, the Ahi Tuna was pretty darned good.

However, the true secret of the place is that inside the swank Roaring Forks bar, for Happy Hour you can grub down huge and fancy pants bacon cheese burgers and bowls of delicious pork green chile stew for $6. They make a mean drink here too.
701 Congress Ave
Austin
Texas

A new Southern fusion (!) restaurant—think chicken fried meets the chipotle pepper. Reports from my frequent downtown dining friend, Brendan: “The biscuits and gravy are particularly good. And even simple chicken tenders with honey-mustard sauce. The brunch is great too.”

: Koriente

Asian
SXSW Conference

A new place that’s very close to the action is Koriente on 7th and Sabine. Koriente is family-owned, MSG-free, healthy Asian-inspired food. They have an amazing selection of rare teas, some veggie options, yummy bulgogi and melt-in-your mouth Kalbi pot roast.
7th and Sabine
Austin
Texas

: Cedar Door

Bar
SXSW Conference

Though Austin margarita favorite Trudy’s has three locations, the Cedar Door has had at least 3 locations in the 14 years I’ve lived in Austin. A little rustic and laid back—it’s a nice bar with a local feel Downtown. Very close to the Convention Center!
Second & Brazos
Austin
Texas